Redskins RB Betts signs contract extension - The Orange Mane

HEAV · 12-09-2006, 04:25 PM

I'm amazed at how the Skins can spend cash every year and yet Denver penny pinches.

Only thing is the Skins have little to show for it.

But now they have a very expensive backfield.

Redskins RB Betts signs contract extension

By JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer
December 8, 2006

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Running back Ladell Betts signed a five-year, $11 million contract extension with the Washington Redskins on Friday, opting to remain in Clinton Portis' shadow rather than test free agency after a career-best season.

Betts, getting a regular chance to start while Portis is on injured reserve, has rushed for 100 yards in back-to-back games for the first time, including a career-high 155 last week in a loss to Atlanta.

The fifth-year back also has set season career-highs in rushing attempts (141) and yards (643). He also has 40 receptions, one behind team leader Santana Moss.

"They were the first team to give me the opportunity to play in the NFL, so I'm loyal to that," said Betts, a 2002 second-round draft pick from Iowa. "I've had nothing but a good experience so far since I've been here."

Betts' contract was due to expire at the end of the season, and his increased production presented him with the dilemma of whether to re-sign or become a free agent with a chance at starting for another team.

But coach Joe Gibbs said Betts will continue to have an important role on the team, even if Portis, who is out for the season with hand and shoulder injuries, returns healthy next year.

"Ladell, since I've been here, everything we've asked him to do, he's done," Gibbs said. "He and Clinton have been an excellent tandem back there. We feel like he's a Redskin, he's our kind of guy. It's something we don't have to worry about going into the offseason."

Betts has spent most of his career as a role-player, returning kickoffs or subbing for the starting running back. Until this year, he never had more than 371 yards rushing in a season. His power-running style offers a distinct contrast to Portis' flashy, open-field moves.

"Hopefully, we'll have one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL," Betts said. "We're here for the long haul, and we're trying to get this thing turned around, so hopefully me and Clinton together can take care of the backfield."

Rascal · 12-09-2006, 04:36 PM

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=50560

Kaylore · 12-09-2006, 05:07 PM

Quote:

He also has 40 receptions, one behind team leader Santana Moss.

Oh yay... your QB is scared and hiting his release valve a lot.

CoMoChief · 12-09-2006, 07:02 PM

Betts went to my high school. I remember seeing him play, he was a badass. Gotta show some respect for fellow alumni.

Atlas · 12-09-2006, 07:15 PM

$2 million per year isn't much. Betts is worth it. As far as the Redskins cap well, that is a suspicious enitity of its own.

Killericon · 12-09-2006, 07:18 PM

I gotta respect his loyalty to his team. Anyone else would have gone for the FA market.

Guessed · 12-09-2006, 09:18 PM

Even though I believe Michael Turner is a better back, maybe this helps set the bar for free agent to be backup tailbacks. I wouldn't mind Turner bolting the Bolts for the Broncos even if it meant giving up anything short of a first as compensation.

Atlas · 12-09-2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guessed

Even though I believe Michael Turner is a better back, maybe this helps set the bar for free agent to be backup tailbacks. I wouldn't mind Turner bolting the Bolts for the Broncos even if it meant giving up anything short of a first as compensation.

Turner is getting big bucks in FA..... Hopefully with Denver. I love that guy.

BlaK-Argentina · 12-09-2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Turner is getting big bucks in FA..... Hopefully with Denver. I love that guy.

What are our chances of landing him? Could he be our feature back or will we draft one?

Atlas · 12-10-2006, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlaK-Argentina

What are our chances of landing him? Could he be our feature back or will we draft one?

It's really hard to tell if he can be a feature back or not. I guess he is in the same position as Lamont Jordan was a few years ago when he signed with Oakland. He was a backup behind Martin and nobody knew exactly what he would do as a feature back. That being said I like Turner, hE is a stocky, powerful, fast RB. It's nice that he will be out of S.D. anyway.

Dudeskey · 12-10-2006, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Turner is getting big bucks in FA..... Hopefully with Denver. I love that guy.

Correct me if I'm wrong but won't Duckett will be available as well?

Electric Chair · 12-10-2006, 11:25 AM

Turner is a RFA, and I assume that the Chargers will tag him with first round compensation should someone sign him. If I were a betting man I would bet that AJ Smith would let him go for that, as we have bigger concerns with Shaun Phillips as a RFA and Kris Dielman as an UFA.

watermock · 12-10-2006, 11:46 AM

I watched Betts at Iowa...he's a second tier back. Good, not great. Strong thumper to compliment Portis.

It would be curious if Portis becomes a free agent, but he's been worked like a rented mule.

Broncoman13 · 12-10-2006, 12:03 PM

Turner will likely get a first round tender from the Bolts. Probably around 1.8mil per year. Sucks for him. He's worth A LOT more than that, but the Chargers will have him cornered. I don't think many teams will balk at paying him 3x that, but they will balk at giving up a first rounder for him.

I'm hearing Michael Bush is trying for a Medical Red Shirt and the Brohm will return next year as well. Good for Louisville, bad for the NFL and the Broncos in particular. I'd love to see Bush in Orange n Blue!

I'm still pissed that Shanny didn't take Turner. I had him pegged for us in the 3rd or 4th round when he came out. Would have gladly given a 3rd for him. Quick search shows that there were quite a few of us that really liked his potential... http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthr...ghlight=Turner

12-09-2006, 04:25 PM	#1
HEAV Ring of Famer It's about the Team Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Ville Posts: 12,077 Adopt-a-Bronco: Brian Dawkins	Redskins RB Betts signs contract extension I'm amazed at how the Skins can spend cash every year and yet Denver penny pinches. Only thing is the Skins have little to show for it. But now they have a very expensive backfield. Redskins RB Betts signs contract extension By JOSEPH WHITE, AP Sports Writer December 8, 2006 WASHINGTON (AP) -- Running back Ladell Betts signed a five-year, $11 million contract extension with the Washington Redskins on Friday, opting to remain in Clinton Portis' shadow rather than test free agency after a career-best season. Betts, getting a regular chance to start while Portis is on injured reserve, has rushed for 100 yards in back-to-back games for the first time, including a career-high 155 last week in a loss to Atlanta. The fifth-year back also has set season career-highs in rushing attempts (141) and yards (643). He also has 40 receptions, one behind team leader Santana Moss. "They were the first team to give me the opportunity to play in the NFL, so I'm loyal to that," said Betts, a 2002 second-round draft pick from Iowa. "I've had nothing but a good experience so far since I've been here." Betts' contract was due to expire at the end of the season, and his increased production presented him with the dilemma of whether to re-sign or become a free agent with a chance at starting for another team. But coach Joe Gibbs said Betts will continue to have an important role on the team, even if Portis, who is out for the season with hand and shoulder injuries, returns healthy next year. "Ladell, since I've been here, everything we've asked him to do, he's done," Gibbs said. "He and Clinton have been an excellent tandem back there. We feel like he's a Redskin, he's our kind of guy. It's something we don't have to worry about going into the offseason." Betts has spent most of his career as a role-player, returning kickoffs or subbing for the starting running back. Until this year, he never had more than 371 yards rushing in a season. His power-running style offers a distinct contrast to Portis' flashy, open-field moves. "Hopefully, we'll have one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL," Betts said. "We're here for the long haul, and we're trying to get this thing turned around, so hopefully me and Clinton together can take care of the backfield."

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12-09-2006, 04:36 PM	#2
Rascal RIP Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 16,581 Adopt-a-Bronco: Turf	http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=50560

12-09-2006, 07:02 PM	#4
CoMoChief Solid Starter New to the Forum Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 101 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Betts went to my high school. I remember seeing him play, he was a badass. Gotta show some respect for fellow alumni.

12-09-2006, 07:15 PM	#5
Atlas Draft Defense Early&Often Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 18,526	$2 million per year isn't much. Betts is worth it. As far as the Redskins cap well, that is a suspicious enitity of its own.

12-09-2006, 07:18 PM	#6
Killericon YES A DT!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: From Calgary, in Halifax for School Posts: 7,730 Adopt-a-Bronco: watermock	I gotta respect his loyalty to his team. Anyone else would have gone for the FA market.

12-09-2006, 09:18 PM	#7
Guessed Solid Starter New to the Forum Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 126 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Even though I believe Michael Turner is a better back, maybe this helps set the bar for free agent to be backup tailbacks. I wouldn't mind Turner bolting the Bolts for the Broncos even if it meant giving up anything short of a first as compensation.

12-10-2006, 11:25 AM	#12
Electric Chair Solid Starter Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 100	Turner is a RFA, and I assume that the Chargers will tag him with first round compensation should someone sign him. If I were a betting man I would bet that AJ Smith would let him go for that, as we have bigger concerns with Shaun Phillips as a RFA and Kris Dielman as an UFA.

12-10-2006, 11:46 AM	#13
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	I watched Betts at Iowa...he's a second tier back. Good, not great. Strong thumper to compliment Portis. It would be curious if Portis becomes a free agent, but he's been worked like a rented mule.

12-10-2006, 12:03 PM	#14
Broncoman13 Broncoholic JT #80 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 16,961 Adopt-a-Bronco: Orange Julius	Turner will likely get a first round tender from the Bolts. Probably around 1.8mil per year. Sucks for him. He's worth A LOT more than that, but the Chargers will have him cornered. I don't think many teams will balk at paying him 3x that, but they will balk at giving up a first rounder for him. I'm hearing Michael Bush is trying for a Medical Red Shirt and the Brohm will return next year as well. Good for Louisville, bad for the NFL and the Broncos in particular. I'd love to see Bush in Orange n Blue! I'm still pissed that Shanny didn't take Turner. I had him pegged for us in the 3rd or 4th round when he came out. Would have gladly given a 3rd for him. Quick search shows that there were quite a few of us that really liked his potential... http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthr...ghlight=Turner